The Swansea City youngster should take his place in the Swansea City midfield on Sunday and come face to face with Seyi Olofinjana who stands an impressive 10 inches taller than Allen.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s probably twice the size of me,\u201d Allen told the Western Mail.<\/p>\n
\u201cI watched Cardiff\u2019s game against Leeds the other night and I was trying to picture myself going up against him and I\u2019m sure others will be looking out for when we come up against each other.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be interesting, but coping with that side of things is something I\u2019ve had all the way through my career. I guess it\u2019s obvious, but the biggest test I\u2019ve had trying to make it professionally is the physical side of things and this is just another example of that.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I do feel like I\u2019ve grown up a bit in all ways; I suppose this season I don\u2019t feel like a kid anymore, especially during this last run of games.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m still young, obviously, but I don\u2019t feel like the youngster in the team. I feel part of things and as important as anyone else in the starting line-up. It\u2019s that confidence that has helped me, to know that I\u2019m offering something and I\u2019m there on merit.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I might have been guilty of trying too much,\u201d he says of Rodgers\u2019 words. \u201cIn a game where we were leading I should have been more responsible than trying to impress for myself a bit. He made the point to me about playing for the team and sometimes you need those dressing downs.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was right because it\u2019s the success for this side comes from not having individuals, it\u2019s from what we do as a team and that\u2019s what we base everything around.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a bit of pressure and expectation on you, but I\u2019m ready for it,\u201d he said, Allen having scored against Palace last week \u2013 his first strike since a certain goal against Cardiff at Ninian Park 18 months ago. \u201cIt\u2019s exciting to be part of it and it goes without saying how much we are all looking forward to it. It\u2019s probably our toughest test of the season, not just because it\u2019s against a good side at the top of the table but because of the environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut that just makes it more exciting and none of us can wait.\u201d<\/p>\n